Inside the bag of the X-Photographer -Ioannis Tsouloulis

I invite you to take a look in my photo bag.Since the launch of the X-Pro1 I started using Fujifilm gear.My first steps were the X-Pro1 with the XF18mmF2, the XF35mmF1.4 and the XF60mmF2.4.

Since then I used the X100 - X100S - X-E1, the X-E2, the X10 – X20 – X30 – X-T10 – X-T1 and recently the fantastic X-Pro2 with various lenses.

As a professional photographer I need to be able to rely on my gear! And my Fujifilm has never let me down! Yes, the X-Pro1 was a bit slow at the beginning but became fast enough for my line of work after the first update.

The gear I'm working with now depends on the job. As a professional photographer my work mainly consists of portraits, property, fashion, wedding and travel photography. Each with it's own needs and requirements. For every task I pack my bag to the needs of the job.

Portrait photography

For my portrait photography I need to establish a very comfortable environment where my customer feels secure and relaxed, to be able to show me his or her inner beauty! Because this is what I photograph, the inner beauty of my customer's soul. For that task I trust completely on my FUJIFILM X-T1 with the vertical grip VG-XT1 and the XF56mmF1.2. This combination allows me to work in portrait mode without having to lift my elbow. As a second camera I carry my FUJIFILM X100T. The non obtrusive look of both camera's gives me the possibility to establish a personal contact with my clients without heavy and big equipment between us. I prefer working with natural light and the low light conditions where I find myself in regularly are the natural habitat for my gear thanks to the great detail in skin-tones, even with high ISO! They register the beauty I see in every situation or environment.

Photo by Ioannis Tsouloulis: X-T1 & XF56mmF1.2 R

Photo by Ioannis Tsouloulis: X-T1 & XF56mmF1.2 R

Property Photography

For my property photography I prefer to travel light, I make photos of real estate projects for sale or rent in the city of Ostend, Belgium where I live. For this purpose I rely completely on my X-T1 in combination with the XF10-24mmF4. I always use just one camera and one lens. The level in the screen, together with the 24 # grid give me all the control to make my photos in such a way that I don't need much post processing afterwards. The big dynamic range also helps me to deliver first quality photos to my clients.

Fashion photography

For my fashion photography I use the same gear as for my wedding photography. I have 4 cameras in my bag, one FUJIFILM X-T1 with the XF10-24mmF4, one X-T1 with the 16-55mmF2.8, one X-Pro2 with the the XF56mmF1.2 and one X100T. The other lenses I use are the XF60mmF2.4, the XF50-140mmF2.8 and the XF100-400mmF4.5–5.6. I prefer to have a lens on camera for the entire event. For these productions that can take the entire day I pack 1 to 2 spare battery's for every camera. Most of the time I don't use them but it gives me a safe feeling knowing they are with me if should I need them. With this combination of cameras and lenses I can photograph every possible situation and event. The high quality files these cameras and lenses deliver, combined with high ISO give me the freedom to be able to work with natural light without the use of a flash.

Photo by Ioannis Tsouloulis

Photo by Ioannis Tsouloulis

Photo by Ioannis Tsouloulis

Travel photography

My travel photography is done mainly traveling with my motorcycle, with very limited storage space. For that reason I take only 2 cameras with me. The FUJIFILM X30 and the X100T, together with one charger and 1 extra battery per camera.

The versatility of both cameras gives me the freedom to work in any condition with superb images as a result. The X30 is a genius with its zoom lens which gives me a wide range of focal lengths to photograph any scene. Very robust and with a good feel in the hand, and I can even use all of the camera's controls while wearing my motorcycle gloves. When the light conditions get very tough at dusk or at night I use my X100T which never lets me down.

About the Author

He grew up in mining area of Limburg, Belgium and had an early interest for photography.At the age of 9 he bought his first compact camera, followed by his first reflex camera a few years later.

He took photos of everything that fascinated him but his main focus seemed to be 'people'. After his mandatory service in the army he went to school to study photography at the Stedelijke Academie voor Moderne Kunsten in Hasselt, Belgium. 3 years later he moved to Oostende where he finished his course at the Vormingscentrum voor zelfstandigen in Roeselare. His passion for photography remained even though his career had taken a different turn. The passion took the upper hand in 2006 when Ioannis chose to make photography his fulltime job. He made portraits of athletes for Roularta Media Group for some time.

Professionally, he is very active in making spontaneous portraits, but also artistic nude images of clients. He also makes product photos for various manufacturers and also shoots interior photos for real estate firms. His work consists of portraits, artistic nudity and travel photography.